Question
QUESTION: I have a question please.  I have a lemon tree that has healthy leaves on it but the lemons come out yellow right away and then die.  I keep it watered and it is in full sun...what am I doing wrong?

Thank you very much.
Pauline


ANSWER: Hi Pauline    Post-bloom fruit drop has occurred widely on all cultivars in some years, especially when heavy rain, overhead irrigation, dew, or fog wets blossoms. Blossoms develop peach- to orange-color lesions and young fruit drop soon after fruit set, leaving a "button," the remains of the flower parts  From 50 to 90% of a crop can be lost. Systemic fungicides are applied commercially, but for the homeowner, little can be done except avoiding overhead irrigation during bloom. Sooty mold, a black, superficial fungal growth on leaves, twigs and fruit, grows on exudates from aphids, whiteflies, soft scales and other piercing, sucking insects . Sooty mold does little damage and can easily be washed off fruit. Oil sprays will also loosen this mold from leaves and twigs. Neem Oil can be sprayed on blossoms to help set fruit also.

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QUESTION: Hi Kathy...thank you for your answer.  Since I do not notice any black fungal growth or any bugs it is basically out of my control or do I still need to spray with Neem Oil.

Thanks again for your help...it is very frustrating to see this healthy looking plant full of tiny yellow lemons that are dropping off.


Answer
Hi Pauline..Neem covers all the above no matter what plant you are having problems with.  All of the above can cause fruit drop not just bugs.  Watch out for all the problems above or ward them off with neem which does not wash off, just protects your plants.